Thursday, September 27, 2012

26o in 2012 DEVOS - Day 194 - 1 Timothy 4: Truth & Influence Matters!

In today’s reading, Paul returns to addressing false teaching. “In the later times” (today - we’re in the later times), some people are gonna’ ditch God because they’ll buy into lies from the evil one! A true believer can’t ditch God but “make believers” can and will. The lies specifically mentioned here are that celibacy (staying single & not marrying) and what food you eat can save you. NOT WAY! – “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected…”
Paul then lists out how his readers can guard the truth of God:
- Warn against and point out sin (6a)
- Be a servant (6b)
- Know & obey the truth (6c)
- Avoid false teaching (7a)
- Discipline yourself in truth (7b-9)
- Work hard (10)
- Teach others to do the same (11)
- Model/live out the truth (12)
- Devote yourself to truth (13)
- Be sure you are using your gifts for Him (14)
- Be single-mindedly sold out (15)
Paul concludes with a great summary statement on influence: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”SO WHAT?!
*Although true believers can never be separated from the love of God, we can be deceived and our witness hindered. What lies are you tempted to buy into? How do they affect your relationship with Jesus and witness for Him?
*Ever been looked down upon because you’re young? Yeah, me too. It could be the theme song of many a student. Paul says the way to combat it is to “…set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” What kind of example are you & I setting in these areas?
*Watching my life & doctrine is a daily calling. It means we need to not only read God’s word, but know it, obey it, do it and help others do the same – DAILY! How are we doing? Remember, “…physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”